Changes to the De Minimis rule for exports to the United States – what this means for you
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Do you ship goods to the United States? If so, significant changes are coming that could affect both your costs and delivery time.
Until now, shipments valued under $800 (the so-called De Minimis threshold) were exempt from US customs duties and taxes. That exemption is being removed
From now on, all goods – regardless of value – may be subject to customs duties, taxes and clearance fees.
Why has the rule changed?
The US authorities cite two main reasons:
1. National security
- Preventing smuggling of illegal or unsafe goods.
- Ensuring screening and traceability of all shipments, even very small parcels.
2. Protecting the US economy
- Foreign e-commerce sellers have enjoyed a competitive advantage by shipping duty-free.
- The new rule aims to level the playing field for US manufacturers and retailers.
What does this mean for exporters?
There are more consequences for you to consider:
1. Higher export costs
Even small B2C shipments may now incur:
- Customs duties and taxes.
- Clearance fees.
- Disbursement fees.
2. More complex customs procedures
- All shipments require HS classification and detailed invoices.
- Small errors can cause delays or additional charges.
3. Risk of longer delivery times
Clearance may take longer, especially if:
- Invoice data is incomplete or incorrect.
- Incoterms (who pays duties) are not clearly defined.
Invoice requirements for the United States
To avoid costly delays, invoices must be complete and accurate. Be sure to include correct recipient information, precise goods description, correct HS code and clear customs liability.
